The Christian Social Union (CSU), the Bavarian sister party to Germany’s ruling conservatives, is pushing for a dramatic and expansive military buildup aimed at transforming the Bundeswehr into the most formidable conventional army in Europe. Details of the ambitious plan, outlined in a document dubbed “Seeon26” and set to be formally adopted at a closed-door strategy meeting next week, reveal a significant shift towards a more assertive and potentially provocative security policy.
The proposal, spearheaded by CSU parliamentary group leader Alexander Hoffmann, explicitly calls for Germany to “assume responsibility” and build a military capable of deterring potential adversaries alongside its NATO allies. This ambition goes beyond current defense spending commitments and encompasses a broad range of new capabilities, including the acquisition of long-range cruise missiles, advanced drone technology and even the development of hypersonic weaponry.
The document’s stated goal is the creation of a “European arsenal” armed with precision weapons capable of striking deep within enemy territory. This projection of power – a departure from Germany’s post-war emphasis on restraint – raises questions about Berlin’s evolving role within the alliance and the potential for escalating tensions with Russia.
Drawing heavily from lessons learned in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the CSU plan prioritizes the development of a “true drone army” envisioning a fleet of at least 100,000 drones integrated with artificial intelligence and space-based capabilities. This signals a move towards increasingly automated and potentially less predictable forms of warfare. Simultaneously, the proposal advocates for significant investments in defensive and reconnaissance capabilities, including an air defense system modeled on Israel’s “Iron Dome” with a substantial stockpile of interceptor missiles.
Further emphasizing a commitment to enhanced surveillance, the CSU proposes a comprehensive monitoring system for the Baltic Sea, utilizing cost-effective, unmanned underwater drones to patrol critical infrastructure and establish sensor networks – a move likely to be viewed with suspicion and concern by neighboring nations.
While proponents argue that these measures are necessary to counter evolving security threats and safeguard European interests, critics within Germany and beyond are likely to raise concerns about the potential for overreach, the strains on the German budget and the implications for international relations. The CSU’s aggressive agenda risks reigniting historical debates about Germany’s military posture and could further destabilize an already volatile geopolitical landscape. The strategy’s practical implications and potential political fallout remain to be seen, but its unveiling signals a clear desire within a powerful German political faction to fundamentally reshape the country’s approach to defense and security.